The Taste of Touching Glass

~Mike's POV~

I got up off the floor, rubbing my backside.

'Not funny, Vic!' I whinged.

'Yeah, it was baby.' Tony said, wrapping an arm around my waist. He was trying not to laugh out loud. Jaime and Vic had played a prank on me. They had put detergent on the floor and spread it around, making sure whoever next walked in the door would slip. They had also very conveniently made a huge puddle outside with water. I watch tears trickle down my brother's face and his quiet chuckle echo around the room. Jaime's booming laugh had already raced around the house and he was trying to calm Vic down. Tony tentatively manouvered us down the hall and into the main living space, slipping every few steps. Vic's laughing had turned to hiccups and he went into the kitchen to get himself a glass of water.

'So, what's Stacey's verdict?' Jaime asked, watching Vic stumble out of the room.

'Tony should be doing normal things, like touring.' I said. Tony nodded beside me.

'Please? I want to go touring! Even if it's just a few shows at bars around town.' He made puppy dog eyes at Jaime. He just rolled his eyes at him.

'You're gonna have to puppy-eyes Vic over there. I don't make those big decisions.' Hime pointed to Vic, who was making his way back into the lounge room.

'Vic! Please!' Tony yelled.

'Sure. Our TM has been bugging us for awhile. We're all set to go. In fact, it's ready for the week after Mike's birthday.' Vic smiled at me. I was going to be turning thirty. [yes i know he turns thirty in a few years but i need this age]

*a few days later*

We were all packing for tour. It had been a while since we had done this, thanks to Tony's many trips to hospital. It was my birthday tomorrow, and we were holding a huge party. Lots of bands were coming for it and we were sort of joining my birthday and the kick off of tour. I didn't really mind. We were having a family dinner tonight. It was at mine and Tony's place. We had finally moved in with each other. The small outside space was set up with a few balloons and we had the soccer goals set up and the mini TV was on the sports channel. We had plenty of beer in the fridge and Tony was currently chopping up vegetables for dinner. The doorbell rang and I answered it.

'Happy Birthday, Mike!' My mum exclaimed, giving me a hug. She had a small gift in her hands. My dad walked in behind her with Vic and Jaime bringing up the rear.

'Thanks, Mum, but the present wasn't necessary.' I said. She put it on the bench and went into the kitchen to cook with Tony. Vic passed me a gift of his own, signed - from Vic and Hime.

'Thanks.' I said, giving them both hugs.

'Well open it,' Jaime said. I did and stared at the tiny scrap of paper. My jaw dropped.

'You bought me a new drum kit?' I said. This was a drum kit I had wanted for ages, but I had never bought it myself. The one I had was perfectly fine.

'Yup.' Vic said, 'and we know how much you love all the vintage snares and stuff so Mum and Dad added some in so that you could get a few of them. Mum also bought you whiskey. I don't know why though. You have that stuff stored all over the place.'

I hugged them again and Tony called out that dinner was ready.

After we ate, we played a game of soccer, Vic, Mum and I against Jaime, Tony and Dad. It was pretty even. Tony and I were passionate about playing different sports and always tried our best. Jaime mucked around a lot, claiming he only played for fun. Vic was shorter and had a height and weight disadvantage and Mum and Dad were pretty even. We won, four to three. It was an even match until Jaime started mucking up and making silly shots. We all retired back to the table, watching sports on TV and talking about random stuff. After our guests left, Vic giving us the address of my party for tomorrow, Tony backed me up against the wall, kissing every inch of my skin.

'Hey, what's up?' I asked, as his tongue traced my neck tattoos.

'It's time for me to give you your birthday present.' He said, winking at me. We hurried into our bedroom, our shirts on the floor in the lounge room.

Notes